9 must-try Hollywood experiences in Los Angeles, California

No other neighbourhood in Los Angeles has a grander and more glamorous reputation than Hollywood. From the hallowed Hollywood Sign to the legendary Dolby Theatre, the iconic movie town is home to plenty of experiences that you simply must try on your trip to Los Angeles.

1. Hop aboard a bus for a sightseeing tour

Bus tours of Hollywood range from hop-on hop-off double-decker bus tours with recorded narration, to guided small-group mini-van tours and everything in between. Take your pick and marvel at all the dizzying attractions as they pass you by. Starline Tours offers a variety of Hollywood sightseeing tours, including the one-hour Hollywood Fun Tour and the Movie Locations Tour, a collaboration with Turner Classic Movies.

2. Walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame

When you’re in Tinseltown, it’s almost mandatory that you pose with a sidewalk star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The sidewalk is home to over 2,500 handsome terrazzo-and-brass stars honouring luminaries in motion pictures, television and radio since 1960. Go look for your favourite star!

Experience the best studio tour in Los Angeles as you explore sets and soundstages used to create productions such as “Gilmore Girls”, “The Big Bang Theory” and many more. The three-hour behind-the-scenes tour takes you through an intimate look at the iconic backlot, original props and costumes used in films like “Casablanca” and “Batman”. Guests can even re-enact scenes on the original Central Perk set from “Friends”!

4. Tour the iconic Dolby Theatre

A Hollywood landmark renowned as the home of the Academy Awards and countless world premieres and TV shows, the Dolby Theatre must feature on your to-do list if you long to stand on the stage where so many famous actors accept the prestigious Oscars.

5. Experience the magic of cinema at Universal Studios Hollywood

The only authentic, working movie studio and theme park in the world, Universal Studios has something for everybody. From The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, which takes visitors on an immersive experience in and around Hogwarts™ and an exciting multi-sensory DreamWorks Theatre featuring Kung Fu Panda attraction to the World Famous Studio Tour that offers guests the chance to explore largest and busiest movie and TV studio in the world. There’s a lot of exciting attractions to experience!

6. Discover the celebrated Hollywood culinary scene

From celebrity chefs to celebrity diners, famed faces might turn your head while you eat in Hollywood. Whether you’re craving fantastic street food or want to dine at James Beard Award winning restaurants – you’ll be spoilt for choice! Choose from landmarks like Musso & Frank Grill and Yamashiro, or experience the acclaimed restaurants of culinary stars like Ludo Lefebvre, Michael Cimarusti and Curtis Stone.

7. Stop by TCL Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

One of the world’s oldest and most iconic cinemas, this exotic pagoda theatre – complete with temple bells and stone heaven dogs from China, has been open to the public since 1927. The Hollywood landmark has hosted many movie premieres since then, as well as three Academy Award ceremonies. To see the inside, buy a movie ticket or go on a guided tour.

8. Visit the famed Hollywood Bowl amphitheatre

One of the world’s most celebrated cultural venues, this amphitheatre has been home to the world’s most renowned recording artists and has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its official opening in 1922. With a stage that has hosted everyone from Bob Dylan and Barbara Streisand to Prince and Lady Gaga, visiting the Hollywood Bowl makes for a quintessential Hollywood experience.

9. Stay at an iconic Hollywood hotel Dream Hotel

From historic hotels that have played host to some of Hollywood’s biggest names to new-age, budget-savvy options, there are plenty of fantastic hotels at which to base yourself as you set out exploring the best of Hollywood. Whether you choose the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt situated on the Walk of Fame, the upscale trendy Dream Hollywood or the modern, glitzy W Hollywood, you’re promised excellent amenities and impeccable hospitality.